Polydactyly, or extra digits, is likely the most common type of birth abnormality affecting the hands. Extra digits come in many different varieties, from complex extra digits affecting the thumb to small nubbins affecting the pinky. In many cases of extra digits affecting the pinky, a simple surgery or simple suture around the extra digit can address the issue. However, sometimes a more significant treatment is necessary. Here are the hands and feet of a single patient with unusual presentations of extra digits. I believe this patient serves to highlight the differences in presentation.
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| Unusual polydactyly of the small finger. |
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| X-rays of unusual polydactyly |
This polydactyly did arise from the joint with an extra articulation for the extra digit. The joint was stabilized at the time of surgery.
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| A slightly more typical polydactyly |
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| X- ray of more typical polydactyly. |
This polydactyly on the left is more commonly seen than the polydactyly on the right hand and is more straightforward to treat.
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| Toe polydactyly |
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| Toe polydactyly. Split metacarpal. |
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| The other side with another variation of toe polydactyly. |
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| X-ray demonstrating the y-shaped metacarpal. |
These toe
polydactylies are more difficult to treat than the
polydactylies affecting the fingers. The width of the foot can cause issues with shoe wear. Both feet required a bony correction and stabilization.
